New Ruaha International

Dressed up for a business meeting with two foreign visitors and thought of a venue that might suit the taste of some European strangers in town. According to some friends New Ruaha International might be the best choice. Went with a bit of skepticism as this place used to be a notorious night club attached to a dodgy hotel but recently the hotel got a proper face lift trying to win the market of tourists and business people. The restaurant parking somehow still looks like a construction area but after a peak through the windows I could witness a well equipped, clean and nice kitchen. The dining area looked really impressive with Iringa standards. The interior is somehow simplistic and modest but designed with a sense of taste. Not a spot could be noticed on the paint job and colors were well chosen. Table cloths and curtains were as well clean and tasteful. The eight tables were nicely set and gave a welcoming feeling. As usual a tv could be found in a central role but at least showing some international news channel without sound. The waiter showed us to a table and gave as the school folder menus, On the table there was a bouquet of tasteless plastic flowers. The chairs were cushioned both on the seat and back part but although the restaurant has been operating for quite some time the plastic cover still partly remained on the seat and completely on the back part.

Menu had tree starters; Soup of the day, Prawns cocktail and House salad ranging from 2000-3500. We all decided to go for the prawn cocktail but as it was not available we decided to go straightly for the main course instead.

Six fish/sea food dishes, five Indian dishes (3 chicken, 1 beef and 1 prawn dish), 4 dishes labeled as an healthy option, additionally a variety of steaks, burgers and Italian dishes could be found. Most dishes were in the price category 6000-8000.

customer 1: Tilapia Fish – A whole fried tilapia fish from Mzanza, accompanied with lemon sauce and vegetables (8000)

Customer 2: Chicken Korma – Boneless chicken with a tomato/onion based sauce with cashew nuts and Indian spices (6500)

Customer 3: Asked about the Pasta of the day and was told it was macaroni, when asked for further explanation it was macaroni and spaghetti, it all sounded a bit confusing but the unopened packets of pasta was shown and apparently it was a matter of plain pasta but somehow I have a feeling that there was some communication problems and waiter was unable to communicate what this dish was all about. However it sounded as a rather dull dish so grilled pork chops was ordered instead (7500)

Main dishes came with the option of chips, rice or mashed potato.

Drinks: No red wine which was somehow disappointing but the beers were served sweating cold, white wine?

Food arrived in only 30 min and was dished up nicely. The Indian option was nicely spiced and the chicken was tender and all bones were removed.
The pork chops was decent amount of meat and even a meat lover as myself had nothing to complain about. The mashed potatoes was tasty and there was a suspicion that there might actually be some real butter and not the common blue band involved.

Deserts got forgotten after the delicious meal but the option of cream caramel and fruit salad was available at a price of 3000

the two bills showed 22000 for food and 6000 for drinks giving a total of 28000. For Iringa standards a very expensive meal but still I would like to consider it good value for the money.

Atmosphere: ****
Service: ***
Food: ****